A few noteworthy headlines were released regarding the San Jose Sharks today, and with free agency beginning in a few days, let's get into them:
- The Sharks acquired the rights to forward Nick Merkley from the New Jersey Devils for the rights to defenseman Christian Jaros. Both players involved in this deal are pending RFAs. Nick Merkley is not related to Sharks prospect defenseman Ryan Merkley and recorded two goals and eight assists for ten points and seven penalty minutes in 27 games with the Devils last season; these stats are all career highs for him except for penalty minutes. Over the course of his NHL career, Merkley has a total of three goals and nine assists 12 points in 32 games with the Coyotes and Devils. In addition, Nick Merkley wasn't issued a qualifying offer by San Jose, therefore making him a UFA, but he and the Sharks are expected to come to a separate agreement on a new deal. On the other hand, Christian Jaros played a limited role with the Sharks this past season and has mainly been a liability in that limited role.
- Speaking of qualifying offers, the Sharks have issued one to forward Noah Gregor and will retain his negotiating rights. However, forward Ryan Donato was not issued a qualifying offer by the Sharks, now making him a UFA. Recently-acquired goalie Adin Hill was previously issued a qualifying offer by the Coyotes, therefore his rights are retained by the Sharks.
- The Sharks should be either trading or buying out Martin Jones any day now, but it hasn't happened yet. Who knows if it will ever happen. The chances are still unlikely, but if Martin Jones is still on the Sharks' roster come next season and their goalie tandem consists of Jones and recently acquired Adin Hill, something is wrong and the Sharks are basically tanking next season. Betting on Martin Jones to bounce back in net next season and keeping him on the roster is a huge gamble that isn't worth taking. Jones has been on a steady decline since the 2019-20 season and has proven that he is no longer a starting-caliber goalie in the NHL anymore. We will find out the situation with Martin Jones in San Jose soon as the buyout window in the NHL closes tomorrow at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT and free agency begins on Wednesday.
Stay tuned to CPF Hockey for all your San Jose Sharks offseason needs.
Source: sjsharks.com
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